Sherwood facing pressure over Lamela

Tim Sherwood is facing pressure from his Tottenham bosses to field club-record signing Erik Lamela again this season, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Sherwood recently confirmed that Lamela, a £30 million summer signing from Roma, is unlikely to feature again after being sidelined for the rest of season through injury.

The paper claims, however, that the Argentinian is closing in on a return to full-time training, which has prompted a desire from the club's hierarchy to see him on the White Hart Lane pitch again before the season close.

However Sherwood used his Thursday press conference to insist that Lamela is in fact still injured.

"There is no chance Erik's fit," Sherwood said. "I read in the paper, or someone told me, that the hierarchy here are asking for him to get more opportunities. Chance would be a fine thing, he's injured."

Lamela has made nine appearances for the club this season and has started just three times in the Premier League since his arrival.

Sherwood, who is widely expected to be replaced as Spurs manager this summer, admitted the 22-year-old had been unlucky with back and thigh injuries but went on to suggest the club had made mistakes in their recruitment policy last summer.

While Lamela's situation has proved frustrating for Sherwood, the former midfielder recently indicated he was enjoying the pressures that come with full-time management.